Obsessed: Harry Potter

I'll admit it. I'm a nearly-30-year-old woman completely obsessed with Harry Potter. "Fan girl" might be an apt description. Not the character, himself, but the books. I have all the books, all the movies and I also have the books on my iPod. I'm not ashamed. And I am getting really excited for the next movie, due out in November. In preparation for the final two movies (Book 7 is being split into two movies), I'm re-listening to all of the books. I'm not ashamed. I think they are brilliant works of fiction (I don't view them as fantasy - I know, I am kidding myself). I don't begrudge you if you don't have any interest in the books. But if you do, we have a lot to talk about :)

Image is courtesy of Warner Brothers

Obsessed: Shel Silverstein

Another one of my favorite childhood authors has to be Shel Silverstein. Where the Sidewalk Ends. A Light in the Attic. And possibly the best: The Giving Tree. The poems and stories told by Shel Silverstein are captivating, hilarious, and incredibly imaginative. The Giving Tree in particular is one of the best love stories I've ever read. I frequently give these books as gifts to kids and adults alike. If it's been more than a year since you've read one of Shel's books, I recommend you head over to the library, or the store, and refresh yourself with Shel Silverstein.

Obsessed: Roald Dahl

I love all things childhood. I read a lot as a kid, so childhood books in particular resonate with me. So let's take a moment and recognize the literary giant that is Roald Dahl. A few titles, to jog your memory: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie and the Glass Elevator, Fantastic Mr. Fox, James and the Giant Peach, The BFG, Matilda, The Witches and The Twits. If you don't absolutely love at least one of these books (or, at least, one of the movie adaptations) then we can't be friends. Seriously. The man was a genius.